Barbell Set
Unlock the Most Powerful Compound Movements in Your Home Gym
A barbell set is another versatile and essential addition to a home gym. If you want to do exercises like barbell deadlifts, squats, overhead press and bench press, a barbell weight set is the way to go.
A barbell set consists of a barbell, weight plates and a set of collars. Start with light weights, perfect your technique and then add weight as your strength builds. Don't rush the progression. Good form first, heavy load later.
Which barbell set is right for you?
Standard barbell weight set
Cast iron or rubber-coated plates with a standard barbell. The bar is lighter and the entire length has a diameter of 25mm. Considerably cheaper than Olympic sets. For light workout routines and beginners, a standard set is perfectly adequate.
Olympic barbell weight set with rubber plates
Rubber-coated cast iron plates with a 6 to 7 foot Olympic barbell weighing 15 to 20 kilograms and a bar diameter of 25 to 28mm. The key difference is the 50mm rotating end sleeve which reduces torque on your wrists and allows the bar to spin freely during lifts. More expensive than a standard set but built to last. If you plan on doing heavy squats, presses or deadlifts, this is the set I'd recommend for home fitness.
Olympic barbell weight set with bumper plates
A 7 foot barbell with plates made of solid rubber or a steel core covered in solid rubber. These are your top of the line sets and the price reflects it. If you enjoy Olympic lifting, CrossFit or powerlifting, or if you occasionally need to drop your weights, bumper plates are the right choice. They can be dropped safely without damaging the plates, lifting platform or flooring.
Why I prefer Olympic barbell sets
- Olympic bars safely handle more weight than standard bars
- The rotating end sleeves reduce torque and protect your wrists and arms
- Many rubber plates come with bi-grip, tri-grip or multi-grip handles for safer handling. I particularly like these because you can also use them independently as free weight alternatives
- Bumper plates can be dropped safely without damaging equipment or flooring
How much weight do you need?
If you're new to resistance training or have never used a barbell before, starting with a barbell and around 30 to 70 kilograms of various plate sizes is plenty. You can buy fewer plates initially and add more as you get stronger. This saves money upfront without limiting your progress.
If you're already resistance training and want to replicate your current gym capability at home, base your plate selection on your current working weights across your main lifts and work from there.
Whatever you choose, buy the best quality you can afford. A good barbell set is a lifetime investment.
Health should feel like your best life, not a break from it.
Marco ☕
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About Me I'm Marco Asnicar, personal trainer, nutrition coach and founder of Vitality Marco. I didn't discover the Mediterranean method. I grew up living it, shaped by Italian roots, real food and movement as a natural part of daily life. I coach men and women aged 35 to 55 to do the same. No restriction. No fads. No giving up the life you love. Just a way of eating and living that genuinely feels good and gets better every year. Want to know more about my story and approach? Read my full About Me page → |